About the Show

Nearly a billion people worldwide lack clean drinking water. Farmers fight for it to water their crops. A precious resource is at risk. CNBC's Michelle Caruso-Cabrera explores a global crisis.

Water is our most precious natural resource. With only 3 percent of the world’s water existing as fresh water, nearly every continent is feeling the affects of the global water crisis. For some, it’s the lack of clean drinking water. For farmers, it’s the inability to feed the thirst of valuable crops. Just as “easy oil” has dried up, fresh water has become more difficult to access and transport.

We'll take you to the American West where seven states compete for the same water from the Colorado River Basin. In Alaska and Wisconsin, there is an abundance of water. How can they capitalize on their excess supply? We go to the south of Chile where water rights are bought and sold. Does Chile have the answer to the public vs. private water debate?

While some believe water should be the same as air…free for everyone, others see it as the business opportunity of a lifetime. CNBC’s Michelle Caruso-Cabrera explores a global crisis in the CNBC Original Production "Liquid Assets: The Big Business of Water."

Web Extras

People use lots of water for drinking, cooking and washing, but even more for producing things such as paper, cotton clothes and food — you'd be amazed how much water it takes to make a single hamburger. Or the beer you might drink with it.

Avocado farmer Al Stehly explains to CNBC's Michelle Caruso-Cabrera one way he's trying to save water at his San Diego County grove. He believes by planting his trees closer together he can cut back on H2O without sacrificing production.